Day trips from Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a vibrant city that everyone should visit. If you have time, there are many amazing day trips from Krakow less than an hour and a half away! Many allow you to get out of the city and explore different aspects of Poland. Although every trip should be taken, you should at least explore one option. So, let’s take a look at six day trips from Krakow, Poland!

1. Auschwitz- Birkenau Concentration Camp

69 Kilometers away lies Auschwitz- Birkenau, a former Nazi concentration and death camp. Everyone must visit this place. Auschwitz was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, where over 1.1 million men, women, and children lost their lives. One can not begin to comprehend the true horror of what happened there. By visiting, you can become informed and get a slight insight into one of the darkest moments in humanity.

The memorial consists of two parts of the camp: Auschwitz and Birkenau. Admission to the memorial is free, but entry should be reserved. In order to better understand the history of this place, you should book a guided tour!

2. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine is just 15 kilometers from Krakow. The mine opened in the 13th century, producing table salt, and continued up until 2007. It is one of the oldest salt mines in the world!

Attractions in the mine includes many statues and chapels carved out of salt by the miners. There are six different tours, which you can find on the website below. The tourist route is the most popular choice. It boasts underground saline lakes, timber construction, and salt statues. It is almost three kilometer in length!

3. Ogrodzieniec Castle

Ogrodzieniec Castle is about 67 kilometers from Krakow. The castle was built in the 14th century by King Kazimierz. This castle is surrounded by some of the most picturesque inselbergs in the area. The view alone is worth the trip! It fell into ruins after being destroyed the third time by the Swedes. Today, the ruins have been renovated to ensure the safety of its visitors while they explore the castle!

4. Ojcowski National Park

Ojcowski National Park is one of the smallest National Parks in Poland, at 21.5 square kilometers. Yet, it is among the top visited in the country. This is due to the picturesque scenery, abundant limestone rocks- some as tall as 50 meters- such as ‘Hercules’ Bludgeon.’ Caves are also abundant and easily accessible in this park.

The park also boasts a few attractions, such as the 14th century Pieskowa SkalaCastle overlooking the Pradnik river valley. Ojcow is a village that lies in the heart of the park. King Lokietek Cave (Jaskinia Lokietka) and Dark Cave (Jaskinia Ciemna) are popular visited cave, rich in history.

5. Katowice

Katowice is an one hour and 20 minute train ride from Krakow. It is an hour car ride. The dynamic of Katowice has drastically changed, as it was originally founded because of the coal mining in the area.The city is becoming more and more culturally dynamic, vibrant, and innovative. Infrastructure and renovation projects are taking place all throughout Katowice, bringing the city to life.

The city has plenty of parks and greenery to relax in, despite it’s industrial background. Popular attractions include: the Silesian Museum, Goldstein Palace, Museum of the History of Katowice, Wyspiański Silesian Theater, and Katowice’s Cathedral.

6. Tarnow

Tarnow, a city in Poland, is a 40-50 minute train ride from Krakow. It takes an hour by car. it was founded in 1330. Its charming Galician atmosphere attracts tourists from all over the world. Tarnow hosts a unique mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

It isn’t filled with tourists when compared to Krakow. So, if you’re looking to get away from the crowd, then this is the place for you! I recommend you walk the old town and get a feel of this charming town. After all, the Rynek, or Marker Square, is one of the prettiest in Poland!